How to wear white in the rainy season

Time to break those rules

It’s time to revisit everything you have learnt about dressing up for the rainy for a fresh new start. One of the most-advocated rules of dressing for the wet months is to avoid stepping out in white. White fabrics tend to turn sheer when they come in contact with water, and there’s also the risk of mud splatters—hence the cautionary advice against the colour. But unless you forget to carry any form of rain proofing on you, chances that you might get drenched are unlikely.

If, in the spirit of rebellion (or in the absence of alternate options), you’ve worn white in the rainy weather, you may have come to the conclusion that there wasn’t as much of a risk of wardrobe malfunctions as you had imagined. There are a couple of things to keep in mind though: wearing a sheer white material or a pair of white jeans is avoidable for obvious reasons. But if you’re in the mood to break a few rules, here’s how you can wear white in the monsoon.

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How to wear an all-white look

Image: Samir Rana

How to wear an all-white look

If you’d like to pull off a pure white all-over look, simply invest in white rain gear. It can be a white parka, but not breaking the hue will make all the difference in making a statement.

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Mix your whites with other pieces

Image: Samir Rana

Mix your whites with other pieces

Pick a hero piece in white that’s preferably cropped in length, and build an outfit around it. You can add a scarf or an accessory to balance it out.

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Mix your whites with other pieces

Image: Samir Rana

Mix your whites with other pieces

Street style at Lakmé Fashion Week

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Mix your whites with other pieces

Image: Samir Rana

Mix your whites with other pieces

Street style at Fashion Forward Dubai

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Wear a white jacket in the rain

Image: Instagram.com/priyankachopra

Wear a white jacket in the rain

An easy hack to making a mark with a white piece is to invest in white outerwear. Jacket construction is stronger than that of a regular garment—meaning there very little chance your jacket will go sheer even if it gets wet. Look for longer styles to layer with.

Priyanka Chopra

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Wear a white jacket in the rain

Image: Jonathan Daniel Pryce

Wear a white jacket in the rain

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When in doubt go short

Image: Samir Rana

When in doubt go short

If you are unsure of your surroundings, wear shorter pieces in white. You’re bound to save your ensemble from puddles.

Street style at Fashion Forward Dubai

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When in doubt go short

Image: Jonathan Daniel Pryce

When in doubt go short

Street style at Paris Couture Week

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Wear a white top

Image: Jonathan Daniel Pryce

Wear a white top

The easiest way to wearing white in the season is to wear a white top and pair it with anything you please. You can make an effort with the look by styling your white shirt with a statement skirt. To be extra careful, you can layer the top with a slip underneath.

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Wear a white top

Image: Samir Rana

Wear a white top

Street style at Lakmé Fashion Week

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Wear white to an event in the rain

Image: Instagram.com/shaleenanathani

Wear white to an event in the rain

If you have a special evening coming up and you plan to wear all white—nothing can stop you. Make sure you plan your travel well in advance to ensure your evening pans out without a glitch. Look at layering your dress with a bustier or wearing coordinates to create a look with recall value.